We conclude our early free agency preview with a look at the quarterbacks and tight ends, where there are a handful of interesting names that could be changing teams this offseason.
Let’s take a look at the most notable names and assess their fantasy relevancy entering free agency.
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2023 NFL Free Agency Primer: Quarterbacks (Fantasy Football)
Lamar Jackson (BAL): QB13 in 2022
Lamar Jackson’s contract season started incredibly but ended in disappointment. Jackson was the top QB in fantasy through the first month of the season before cooling off and missing the last five games of the regular season with a knee injury.
Jackson’s future will be arguably the biggest storyline of the offseason after playing the 2022 season on his fifth-year rookie contract option. The Ravens took a shot on Jackson and helped make the most of his unbelievable talent. However, Baltimore has also failed miserably to invest in weapons around him. Outside of Mark Andrews, Jackson has nobody to throw to, which hampered his development as a passer.
My guess is the Ravens slap the franchise tag on Jackson. But if he hits the open market, he’ll surely be the most highly sought-after free agent in this year’s class. Jackson’s fantasy value is undeniable, but it’s also uncertain entering the offseason.
Tom Brady (TB): QB11 in 2022
Tom Brady took a step back this season statistically, but it doesn’t look like the GOAT is finished. Tampa Bay’s offensive line was in flux all season, and he rarely had all of his weapons healthy at the same time. Tampa’s playcalling also took a step back after Brady essentially shoved Bruce Arians out the door. Brady also dealt with personal issues that could’ve affected his performance.
But despite that, Brady still threw for 4,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. He still has it. The question will be whether he finally decides to call it quits. And if he doesn’t, does he want to return to Tampa after this tumultuous season?
Wherever he ends up, he likely won’t be drafted as a QB1 any longer.
Geno Smith (SEA): QB6 in 2022
Geno Smith could be the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year after resurrecting his career with Seattle this season. Smith affirmed he wants to finish his career with the Seahawks. But it’s fair to wonder whether this breakout year was more of a fluke. And there’s a chance Seattle could opt to look for its next franchise QB in the draft.
Even if a rookie is brought in, there’s a chance Smith resigns with Seattle as the bridge QB and eventual backup. Seattle has weapons to work with in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Kenneth Walker. But 2022 was probably Smith’s peak.
Daniel Jones (NYG): QB7 in 2022
It’s a strange year for quarterbacks when Smith and Daniel Jones finish in the position’s top seven. Jones’ rushing was the difference this year, as he rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns, despite throwing for just 3,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This feels relatively unsustainable, but the Giants have a fascinating decision to make after declining Jones’ fifth-year option. Like Smith, I view Jones’ 2022 season as more of an anomaly and a product of Brian Daboll’s genius. But there’s a chance Jones returns to New York to work with Daboll and what has to be a stronger receiving core. If Jones changes teams, though, chances are that his situation around him won’t be as great. His coaching certainly won’t be.
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF): QB24 in 2022
Jimmy Garoppolo has never really been much more than a fantasy streamer. But Brock Purdy‘s emergence means chances are Garoppolo leaves San Francisco this offseason, and a team like the New York Jets might be his most likely destination.
Garoppolo is a fine professional quarterback, but his ceiling is limited. He likely doesn’t find a better situation than the one he’s currently in. Regardless, Garoppolo remains a QB2.
2023 NFL Free Agency Primer: Tight Ends (Fantasy Football)
Evan Engram (JAX): TE6 in 2022
Evan Engram joined Doug Pederson’s tight end-friendly scheme, which paid off, as he was a tremendous value for those who waited to draft a tight end. The question will be whether Jacksonville is ready to give him a longer-term contract and likely a pay raise with it.
If he does return to Jacksonville, Engram is a solid starting tight end option at a position that’s completely scarce on talent. If he goes elsewhere, he’s a fringe TE1 at best.
Dalton Schultz (DAL): TE10 in 2022
Dalton Schultz followed up his breakout 2021 season with a solid 2022, hauling in 53 passes and catching six touchdowns. But with Dallas in a tight salary cap situation, Schultz might be expendable. And there are few offenses that would be a better landing spot than Dallas. Schultz could be an overpaid free agent who’s overvalued by fantasy players.
Mike Gesicki (MIA): TE19 in 2022
Miami’s offense reached a new level with Mike McDaniel at the helm. But Mike Gesicki didn’t take off with the rest of this unit. Gesicki caught just 28 balls for 316 yards and five touchdowns. Gesicki was always a fringe TE1 at best in fantasy, but it seems like his days of fantasy relevance are over.
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
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